It may be the latest tool for "slacktivists" or an evolution of advocacy for the digital age, but the "Twignature", developed by an Australian ad agency, has gone global.

The technology, adopted by Amnesty International, allows Twitter users to add their digital signature to online petitions simply by retweeting a message.

It is powering the Amnesty campaign that is this week urging US President Barack Obama to tighten restrictions on the global arms trade.

Slacktivism?: Amnesty International's Twignature petition.

Previously it has been used by Amnesty to petition Brazil to protect an environmental activist.

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David Klein, executive creative director of BMF Melbourne, which developed the Twignature, said Amnesty now had a tool it could use to capitalise on any topical human rights issues as soon as they arise.

"The campaign had a soft launch last week, with one tweet generating almost a thousand signatures," he said.

It may be the latest tool for "slacktivists" or an evolution of advocacy for the digital age, but the "Twignature", developed by an Australian ad agency, has gone global.

Online petitions and other forms of web activism have previously been derided as "slacktivism" because, while allowing people to feel good about helping to fix a social issue, they often don't have any practical effect. Supporters say they do not substitute for real-world action.

"Most people aren't willing to chain themselves to a tree to show they're truly passionate about an issue," said Klein.

"For the majority who do believe that their voice should be heard and that their voice can make change then Twignature gives them a platform to do this."

Klein said retweeting, hashtagging and youtubing were about creating awareness and influencing opinions about an issue.

"Does it actually matter what method someone uses to show their support if ultimately it helps people who are suffering?," he said.

Karen Skinner, campaign director in Australia for another online petition platform Change.org, said slacktivism was a "lazy term" and signing a petition was a foot in the door to actions that require a deeper investment.

"At the core of this dismissiveness of 'slacktivism' is the belief that real social change requires deep commitment – things like sit-ins or marches on Parliament," she said.

"But the goal of public mobilisation isn't for it to be difficult – it's for it to be effective."